Hitleria Pizzeria poster

‘Hitleria Pizzeria’

The poster is certainly eye-catching, n’est ce pas? Zelly Restorick asks writer, producer and co-director John Knowles some questions about his play, Hitleria Pizzeria, due to be performed this Friday evening (11 November) at The Horse and Groom in St Leonards.

Hello John. Tell us about ‘Hitleria Pizzeria’.

Hitleria Pizzeria is an absurd comedy drama set in a non-specific eastern block country where bar owner Emil has, for unknown reasons, started wearing a Hitler style moustache and hairstyle. This, and the entrance of a young revolutionary soldier, is the catalyst for a series of interactions and revelations about life, war, death and sacrifice. The play is at times wildly anarchic and yet also poignant. Sitting with the cast this morning, as the news of Donald Trump’s victory swept over us, we were all reminded of the importance of political debate and… theatre. Expect more.

What was the catalyst for Hitleria Pizzeria?

The poster’s photo was the catalyst for the play; a real bar owner in – I think Serbia – decided to start wearing a Hitler moustache and hairstyle. I have kept this picture in my drawer for years and kept thinking to myself: ‘what is the story here?’. It seemed absurd that anyone would wear this moustache without either a huge amount of irony or a seriously worrying ideology.

Who’s involved?

Local professional actors: Patrick Kealey, Sidney Kean, Gareth Wildig and myself, John Knowles (writer, producer and co-director) and Kate Tym (director).

Your connection to Hastings?

I have lived in Hastings since 1999 and since moving here have been actively involved in the creative community, running a whole series of events and festivals including: Coastal Currents, St Leonards Festival, Word About Town, Mercatoria Theatre Company’s Outdoor Shakespeare, It’s Not Us including Time Please and Rat in the Cellar. I continue to develop and support new theatre writing.

Anything else you want to add?

The play is a self funded venture with everyone working for a profit share; we believe that now, in these dark times, we need more politically engaged theatre and will be looking to develop a season of work soon. It’s Not Us, the theatre company and writing vehicle for Kate Tym and John Knowles, is now seeking Kickstarter funding to take a previous play, Time Please to the Brighton Festival next year. To find out more, visit Kick Starter Funding for Time Please.

”I’ve seen this – bloody hilarious and brilliantly acted…. go along!”: Alison Cooper

Hitleria Pizzeria: At The Garage, through The Horse and Groom pub, Mercatoria, St Leonards-on-Sea. Fri 11, Sat 12 and Sun 13 November. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets on the door £7 and £6 or online from Hitleria Pizzeria.

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